About the role#
The ThinkBIG Technician program is a two-year training course for individuals pursuing a career as a Caterpillar Dealership Service Technician. You will alternate between classroom instruction at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Illinois, and paid internship rotations at Thompson Machinery locations. This role is full-time and requires a commitment to the full duration of the program.
What you'll do#
- Participate in alternating 8-week classroom and dealership internship rotations.
- Perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on construction equipment under the guidance of a mentor.
- Assist with the setup, service, installation, and replacement of machine components.
- Use diagnostic tools and test equipment to support troubleshooting activities.
- Operate computers and service software to complete documentation and coursework.
- Read and interpret service manuals, technical instructions, and schematics.
What you'll need#
- High school diploma or equivalent with a 2.7 GPA or higher.
- Standardized testing minimums: ACT (Reading 18, English 17, Math 22), SAT (Reading 480, Math 520), or equivalent ACCUPLACER scores.
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude.
- Ability to operate a PC including Windows, Excel, and Word.
- Valid state driver's license.
- Ability to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the program.
Location & details#
- This position is based on-site.
- Locations include La Vergne, Tennessee, and East Peoria, Illinois.
- This is a paid internship.
About Thompson Machinery
Thompson Machinery is a machinery manufacturing company founded in 1944. Based in LaVergne, Tennessee, it acts as the exclusive Caterpillar dealer for Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee, and North Mississippi. The company serves construction, forestry, mining, and industrial sectors. It also manages the Thompson Power division for marine and power generation businesses.
How to get in at Thompson Machinery
Applying early to Thompson Machinery gives you a distinct advantage before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can submit your materials among the first candidates. Getting your application in early helps ensure your profile is seen by the hiring team before the queue becomes overwhelming. You can reach out to recruiters directly to ask about the role or a referral, which materially improves response rates. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles to help you make those connections. Navigating the hiring process is often about who you know, so using these tools helps you bypass the standard wait.
